The RAF Benevolent Fund held its prestigious annual awards ceremony on Thursday 30 April in London. The evening provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication of the Fund’s supporters. The ceremony was attended by RAF personnel, veterans and supporters of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Now in its fourteenth year, the RAF Benevolent Fund Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of its fundraisers, volunteers, and partners. Winning ‘RAF Station of the Year’ was RAF Leeming, and ‘Partnership of the Year’ was awarded to cybersecurity leader Fortinet.
Air Vice‑Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:
“Our annual awards give us a valued opportunity to come together and recognise the extraordinary support we receive from people and organisations who give so generously in support of the RAF Family. From serving personnel and veterans, to the many civilian supporters who fundraise, provide vital welfare support, champion our work and help spread the word, every contribution plays a part in strengthening the positive outcomes we achieve for many in the RAF Family.
“Very many congratulations to this year’s winners for their thoroughly deserved awards. Their commitment, passion and advocacy have been truly inspiring. On behalf of everyone at the RAF Benevolent Fund, thank you for the difference you make.”
The ‘Heart of the Fund’ Award was posthumously presented to Second World War veteran George Dunn, in recognition of his unwavering support for the RAF Family over the past 17 years, including his continued fundraising efforts and promotion of the Fund’s services.
George was selected by the judging panel for his unwavering generosity, compassion and tireless fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Sadly, George passed away peacefully at home two days before the award ceremony took place, however the Fund was honoured to visit George and his family, on the weekend prior to his death, to present him with his trophy and to personally thank him for the incredible difference he made to the Fund and the wider RAF Family.
Fund Ambassador Bob Greig also received the ‘Heart of the Fund’ Award in recognition of his ongoing commitment to championing the Fund’s vital work. After sustaining life‑changing injuries in a parachuting accident, Bob has worked closely with the Fund, consistently demonstrating how its long‑term support has enabled his independence and enhanced his quality of life.
Fundraiser of the Year was won by cycling team ‘Riding on Air’ for their 2025 cycling challenge which covered more than 600 miles between RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland and RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire, raising over £58,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Airplay youth programme.
Below is the full list of winners of this year’s awards, which were supported by category sponsors including Exolum, ESS-Compass, MBDA and Midshires Mobility Group.
| Category | Winner |
| Fundraiser of the Year | Riding on Air |
| Partnership of the Year | Fortinet |
| RAF Formation or Squadron of the Year | 27 Squadron |
| Above and Beyond | Julie Corbett |
| RAF Station of the Year | RAF Leeming |
| Special Recognition | Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo |
| Heart of the Fund | George Dunn
Bob Greig |
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional and practical assistance to serving and former RAF personnel and their families, from welfare breaks and grants to mental health support, youth programmes and more. If you know a member of the RAF Family in need, please go to rafbf.org to find out how the Fund could help.
